No spleen = Late antibody development?

Sep 8, 2003

I had my spleen removed 15 years ago. I tested negative with Elisa at 4, 8 and 13 1/2 weeks. I had an ultrasensitive <50 copies viral load at 10 weeks which was undetectable. I am wondering a lack of spleen involvement could delay antibody develpoment and thus provide a false negative at 13 1/2 weeks. My ARS experience and current symptoms are textbook. None of the docs, or hotlines, seem to know the answer to this. You are my last hope!

Response from Dr. Frascino

Hi,

I think perhaps you are reading the wrong textbook, calling the wrong hotlines, and talking to the wrong docs. Your 13 -week test is conclusive. You do not have HIV. The ultrasensitive viral load test corroborates this result. Please note the viral load test uses PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology that does not rely on antibody production at all. So relax spleenless guy; you're fine. HIV is definitely not your problem.

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